Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai said there is bound to be uncertainty and discord following the chief executive election given the two main candidates' low popularity ratings.

The National People's Congress Standing Committee member said before being elected former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa enjoyed a popularity rating of 80percent and Donald Tsang Yam-kuen basked at 70percent.

"But now the highest popularity level is only 40percent [for Leung Chun- ying]," Fan said. Leung was leading in several polls, but the lead between him and Henry Tang Ying-yen has narrowed.

"Who is the real CY? He is like a chameleon, all things to all men," Chan told the Wall Street Journal.

Chan said Leung is "very good at dodging questions."

He seemed to have "temporary" memory loss when questioned by legislators on Tuesday about a conflict of interest in the West Kowloon cultural hub design competition a decade ago.

"Do we want a chief executive who will at least share our core values, particularly the protection of civil liberties, democracy and also a free economy? Or are we prepared to settle for somebody who everybody suggests is a [Communist] Party undercover cadre?" Chan asked, apparently referring to Leung.

"All human beings have failings. You have to compare the failings of Henry Tang with the failings of CY Leung. And we have to ask ourselves what is the most important from our point of view."

She also accused the central government liaison office of interfering in the elections. "The liaison office and its staff are very busy getting everybody to put the vote for CY. So where is the `one country two systems?"' Chan asked.